Funeral Service Practice Exam

Why were Roman burials or cremations generally performed outside of the city walls?

1. Religious beliefs

2. Threat of disease and plague, as required by law

3. Lack of space in urban areas

4. Cultural traditions of distancing from the living

The correct answer is: Threat of disease and plague, as required by law

Roman burials or cremations were typically performed outside of the city walls primarily due to the threat of disease and plague, which was a significant concern during that time. The presence of bodies within urban areas was associated with health risks as deceased individuals could contribute to the spread of illness, especially in crowded city environments. As a result, laws were established that mandated the removal of burial practices away from populated spaces to help mitigate these health risks. While religious beliefs and cultural traditions also played roles in burial practices, the direct link to public health and legal requirements took precedence in the decision to conduct burials and cremations outside of urban settings. Additionally, the issue of space could be a factor in some developing areas, but the overarching concern for health and the associated legal stipulations made relocating funerary practices away from the living a primary focus.